Wethepeople CRS FC 20" freecoaster BMX review

Full review

The CRS FC is for riders who know they want a freecoaster. A freecoaster lets the rear wheel roll backwards without the cranks turning, and the bike's sealed Salt Pro hub with a 9-tooth driver is the part that justifies its premium price. Sealed bearings in the front hub and in the bottom bracket also mean less maintenance than the cheaper bikes.

The 20.25 inch top tube covers a wide range, with the shop guide suggesting 147 to 175 cm, so it can suit teenagers as well as many adults. The frame uses a chromoly down tube with hi-ten elsewhere, the fork has a chromoly steerer, and the cranks are three-piece chromoly at 165 mm. At 12.1 kg it is not the lightest, but it feels solid and keeps the short rear end that makes spins and manuals easier.

Tyres are 2.35 inch, brakes are an alloy U-brake with a lever, and there are no pegs fitted. The freecoaster does take some getting used to: you cannot backpedal to slow down, and you have to relearn how to time your pedal stroke. If you do not plan to ride backwards, the standard cassette version of this bike or a Radio or Kink will cost less and be just as capable.

For the rider who wants a ready-to-go bike for park and street without swapping parts, it is one of the better complete freecoaster bikes.